A compact low-trigger-threshold multigap gas switch

Herein, we present the details of the design and performance of a compact low-trigger-threshold multigap gas switch used for linear transformer drivers. By integrating a resistor-capacitor network in parallel with switch gaps, the trigger threshold voltage of the switch is reduced; meanwhile, the switch has a compact structure of 117 mm in diameter and 156 mm in height. The self-breakdown and triggering characteristics of the switch are theoretically and experimentally investigated. The experimental results show that at a charging voltage of ±80 kV and operating at 60% of self-breakdown voltage, the switch has a jitter of less than 3 ns when triggered by a pulse of 50 kV. It can be reliably triggered by a high voltage pulse with polarity opposite to that of the charging voltage on the capacitor-mounted side of the switch.